International research collaboration advances robotics for forestry 

Forest Growers Research (FGR), research and development company owned by the New-Zealand forestry industry, and Scion, a research institute in New Zealand specializing in forestry, wood products, and biomaterials, have signed a formal partnership agreement with the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk) as part of a research program funded by FGR.

Tissue Culture Techniques for 21st Century Forests aims to scale up embryo propagation and automate processes for radiata pine, a tree species commonly grown in New Zealand. Somatic embryogenesis is a method of vegetative propagation through cell cultures. A robot developed in Finland employs AI and machine learning to sort embryos, speeding up and improving the selection of embryos suitable for germination.

The robot developed by Luke and Xamk Electronics 3K Factory was originally designed for spruce embryo processing. Its suitability for radiata pine embryo propagation has been successfully tested, and it is now in research use in New Zealand.

Advancing global green technology

Upcoming research stages will concentrate on advancing the robot’s capabilities and developing a commercial system for embryo propagation. Additionally, the partnership aims to explore opportunities for commercializing embryo production processes.

Developing robotics through international cooperation supports sustainable forestry goals and improves forest management efficiency. Sharing knowledge about tree species and technology use may lead to important innovations also in other forestry areas. This work demonstrates that research and technology can join forces to solve forestry issues worldwide.

For more information, please contact:

Research Manager Elina Havia, Xamk, elina.havia@xamk.fi, tel. + 358 50 461 5572

Test and Electronics Design Manager Elmar Bernhardt, Xamk, elmar.bernhardt@xamk.fi, tel. 358 50 370 7671

Senior Scientist Mikko Tikkinen, Luke, mikko.tikkinen@luke.fi, tel.+ 358 29 532 8475